Mayor Ed Lee, Bay Area Community Celebrate Fourth Annual Immigrant Heritage Month in San Francisco

New “I Stand With Immigrants” Campaign Closes Out Immigrant Heritage Month in San Francisco with Art and Advocacy

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Mayor Ed Lee joined FWD.us today to launch the San Francisco “I Am An Immigrant” pop-up experience in a press conference at The Laundry Gallery and Cafe in San Francisco to celebrate June as Immigrant Heritage Month, a month-long celebration highlighting the incredible contributions that immigrants have made and continue to make to our nation. Mayor Lee was joined by San Francisco Chamber of Commerce President Tallia Hart, Freshworks President Dilawar Syed, and FWD.us President Todd Schulte.

Watch the press conference here.

“San Francisco has long been a welcoming place for hardworking immigrant families in search of a better life,” said Mayor Edwin M. Lee. “As the son of Chinese immigrants who came to the United States decades ago, I am proud to represent our diverse, vibrant city, where newcomers continue to play a critical role in building our communities and our economy. Immigrant Heritage Month is an important opportunity to recognize the individuals who have enriched our society in countless ways.”

“This Immigrant Heritage Month been the most meaningful one yet – an incredibly powerful celebration of all the ways in which immigrants have contributed to our collective American identity,” said FWD.us President Todd Schulte. “Now more than ever, it is critical we tell the story of how our immigrant neighbors and friends make our nation stronger. We are grateful to amazing allies like Mayor Ed Lee, Tallia Hart, and Dilawar Syed for their leadership and continued support of immigrant communities in San Francisco.”

“Immigrant entrepreneurs across the Bay Area are growing our economy and creating jobs every day,” said San Francisco Chamber of Commerce President Tallia Hart. “This Immigrant Heritage Month, we celebrate the many immigrant job creators who have made – and continue to make – incredible contributions to the economic well-being of our city, and whose talents are critical to keeping San Francisco at the forefront of American innovation.”

“Freshworks is proud to support Immigrant Heritage Month and the many immigrants who make our community a unique and diverse place to live and work,” said Dilawar Syed, President of Freshworks. “We see firsthand the contributions of hardworking immigrants every day, and we’ll continue to stand by our neighbors to ensure that the Bay Area remains a welcoming place for everyone.”

The two-day pop-up experience, which kicks off today at The Laundry Gallery and Cafe at 3359 26th Street in San Francisco, will bring together community members, tech leaders, and elected officials to share in unique experiences in art, music, advocacy, and more. The programming includes Refinery29 film screenings, spoken word readings, children’s art projects, food samplings, and a speaker panel with tech leaders.

New to Immigrant Heritage Month this year is the “I Stand With Immigrants” campaign, an initiative that provides avenues for allies to stand in solidarity with their immigrant employees, colleagues, constituents, neighbors, and friends. “I Stand With Immigrants” asks Americans to take meaningful action in support of immigrants, to share stories of the crucial ways that diverse communities enrich our society, and to join a growing coalition across the country to proclaim proudly that they stand with immigrants.

The pop-up event on June 29-30 builds on this important message. “I Am An Immigrant” and “I Stand With Immigrants” merchandise will also be available for purchase throughout the weekend in San Francisco, and the first 500 guests will receive free merchandise. More information is available at IAmAnImmigrant.com.

ABOUT “I AM AN IMMIGRANT”

“I Am An Immigrant” is part of Welcome.us, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that coordinates Immigrant Heritage Month every June. Started in 2014, Immigrant Heritage Month honors the countless contributions made by immigrants to our communities, our economy, our culture, and our collective American identity. “I Am An Immigrant” is an ongoing public awareness campaign to encourage Americans to share stories of their families’ immigrant heritage, and what it means to be an immigrant in America. Learn more about “I Am An Immigrant” and Immigrant Heritage Month by visiting IAmAnImmigrant.com.

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